Rattling antlers can mimic two or more bucks fighting. They use their antlers to assert dominance over other bucks for the pick of mating with does. There are several devices that can imitate antler rattling but…
I have “Rattled” for bucks for a lifetime. Only twice can I honestly say that the bucks came to me rattling antlers. The first time, I mimicked the sound without antlers. A nice 3×3 whitetail was chasing does across a ridge. He was way out of range, and I was 12 feet up in a tree stand. The buck stopped and raised his head as if he was listening for a sign.
Rattling was used by Native peoples for centuries. They would often camouflage themselves and rattle antlers or sticks to encourage deer to get into spear or bow range. If they were wearing deer skins, the ruse could be even more convincing. Texas deer hunters began using sheds to mimic antler rattling. Later, fake antlers were used with success. You can even get antler rattling kits that are just round sticks in a sack.
As the buck stood still, I remembered the idea of “rattling”. Since I had no antlers yet, I needed to improvise. My Ben Pearson wooden recurve bow was paired with Cedar arrow shafts. I grabbed the arrows and began knocking/rattling them together. The buck came in on a string. I arrowed him at 10 yards.
Rattling, grunting, and calling gives hunters something to do when deer hunting. Similar skills can be used to call antelope, moose, and elk. The ability to call or lure an animal close is a way to turn the odds in the hunter’s favor. Tagging animals at close and intimate ranges is the most exciting way to hunt.
Successful Rattling needs more than one skill. You must also manage your scent, maybe use an attractant scent, camouflage, and pick the proper ambush site. You can use a ground blind or a tree stand. If you still hunt, always walk into the wind.
A proper stand site means scouting. Look for trails, beds, rubs, and scat. High sign areas are also being scouted by bucks. Place a blind/stand in bow range from where you expect the buck to show up. This could be a trail coming out of a corn/crop field or thick cover. Be on the prevailing downwind side.
The Rattling will bring the buck close. You may never even see him, but they will hear even the softest rattling, grunting, or other natural deer sounds. You do not need to be excessively loud. Other factors must align for complete success.
Successful Rattlers use real or artificial antlers. Fresh, real antlers do have a nice, natural sound. Cut the sharp tips off them for safety. Branched antlers of a 3-4x are perfect. Clashing the antlers together at the branches is the real deal.
Drill a hole in the base of your antlers and connect with a cord. This allows for an easy and safe carry. They can also hang in the tree or at the ready.
Antler rhythms need to mimic the sounds bucks make. You can YouTube videos of fighting bucks. If the rattling is too aggressive, you can scare off lesser bucks that may be intimidated. Find a pattern in the midrange. Crash the antlers together and rattle. Do this for a minute or so then stop. Bucks often break a way and circle. They may also be coming your way.
Never call without expecting results. When you stop the sequence, get your weapon ready and scan for movement and sound. The one time you don’t, is when the big buck will catch you off guard. Repeat the cycle after 10-15 minutes.
Rut is the best time to call in bucks. They are anxious to find a doe at this time. Full moon cycles are also a good time. Rattlers do have success throughout the entire season. Deer are curious and may come in to see what is going on.
The second time I rattled a buck into bow range, he came in quietly behind me. I thought I sensed movement as I was Rattling. The 4×4 was looking up into the tree at me rattling. I could not move without him spooking. There have been several times when I saw reaction from distant bucks. They came within gun range but no closer. Other deer, the wind, or… the usual screwups prevented a shot.
The most successful Rattlers that I have met use ground blinds. They also have shot more bucks at longer than shorter ranges. It is also important to remember that Rattling will also attract other hunters. Using antlers that are not white is a good idea. I also carry them in a pack, and out of sight.
What I can say is that Rattling for deer has not ruined my chance for getting a close shot. This technique gives hunters another strategy when attracting deer. The day goes faster when being able to engage in something other than just sitting and waiting.
Shake, Rattle, and Roll a Big Buck!
Montana Grant
